The Physical Therapy Doctor - September 2021

The Physical Therapy Doctor - September 2021

theptdoctor.com

718.747.2019

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

September 2021

ON THE

MOVE

NEW TEAM, SAME QUALITY SERVICE! A LABOR DAY SHOUTOUT TO FAMILY, PAST AND PRESENT

Tim is a huge learner. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate of physical therapy from SUNY at Buffalo, and he uses a hands-on, holistic approach with patients. He’s always striving to learn new things, and when he isn't at work, he enjoys playing basketball, weightlifting, doing puzzles, and spending quality time with his family, especially his beautiful baby girl.

At least every week or two, someone calls our clinic asking for Mike, Mel, or Jenove — three awesome physical therapists who were on our team before COVID-19. Those moments are always bittersweet for me. I’d love to still have all three of those guys working here, but when we had to shutdown for a while during the pandemic, we lost some incredible, hardworking PTs to other jobs and opportunities. It happens, especially when the world is going nuts! On the other hand, I LOVE hearing people ask about my old team. It’s great to know that the people I’ve hired over the years have made such a good impression. Mike, Mel, and Jenove had a big impact on people's lives in the Bayside community by working here at the clinic. It was so big that a year and a half later, people are still asking for them! That feels good. I’m so, so proud to have built a place with so much impact. Now, it’s my challenge and my pleasure to keep that impact going. Labor Day is coming up here soon, and I’m going to use it to celebrate staff both new and old. I hand-selected everyone who worked for me before COVID, and I’m still hand-selecting the team today. I’m happy to say that the people on our current team — including me; my longstanding PT and buddy Josh; our up-and-comer Sam, who worked here as an aide before becoming a PT; and our new hires Jhoanna (a PT), Tim (another PT), and Bobby (an occupational therapist) — get a lot of compliments, just like the old team used to!

Bobby is another impressive guy. He got his bachelor’s in health science at Stony Brook University and his master’s in occupational therapy at New York Institute of Technology. He's a certified strength and conditioning specialist with years of experience designing personalized strength programs, and he plays the drums and lifts weights in his spare time. Like the other two, he really knows his stuff.

In order to make it on our team here at The PT Doctor, you have to be serious about physical therapy. I have a high bar and am extremely strict on who I hire. They have to know how to hustle, they have to really care about helping people, and maybe most importantly, they have to be constantly looking for ways to help more. I can teach someone how to adjust their PT technique, but I can’t teach the drive, passion, and spark it takes to go the extra mile it sometimes takes to help a patient get better. I’m proud that everyone on our team today has that spark. They're courageous, they’re fearless, they're learners, and they amaze me every day. We have incredible aids hustling to be PTs and phenomenal PTs hustling to help people feel better. I’ll never settle for less, and neither should you. If you’re still missing Mel, Mike, and Jenove, do me a favor and give these new guys a shot. I promise they’ll take care of you just as well as I would myself.

Jhoanna is a Bayside local who discovered PT when she was a patient. She injured her knee playing soccer, and PT helped her get back on the field. Now, she helps her patients get those same benefits!

She earned her doctorate of physical therapy from New York University, is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and loves playing with her pets and cooking. (Her friends are especially fond of her stuffed shells and brownies. Maybe you can try asking for some proof of how good those brownies are.)

–Dr. Robert Morea 718.747.2019 • THEPTDOCTOR.COM • 1

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THE SCIENCE BEHIND SAD AND MAD TEARS WHY YOU SHOULD CRY

participants who cried while watching a sad movie and compared their tears to participants who cried because of a cut onion. Frey said the emotional tears were not only unique to humans but that they’re also a “unique kind of tear.” Their unique chemical makeup has both a detoxifying and stress- reducing effect. Emotional tears have higher levels of ACTH, a stress hormone released by crying. They also have higher levels of endorphins and oxytocin, which are known to reduce both stress and pain.

Ronda Rousey is tough. She was the first American woman to earn a medal in the Olympics for judo, and she was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame to commemorate her six titles. Rousey is noted for her physical and mental toughness, so it might surprise you to learn that she loves a good cry.

“I really cry all the time … Everything [makes me cry]. Especially during fight week,” she told the Huffington Post.

While crying is more often associated with weakness than strength, the science of the tears we shed when we’re emotional — including feelings of anger, sadness, and stress — shows that crying actually makes us healthier.

Crying and Your Health

The benefits of crying have been explored by everyone from ancient philosophers to modern-day scientists. While philosophers noted the cathartic effects of crying, scientists have filled in the knowledge gaps about why crying feels good and how it’s actually good for us.

More Than Just Water

Before you cry, you may feel a welling up of tears in your eyes that makes them appear watery. While tears of all types are mainly made up of water, scientists say that they are distinguished by their chemical makeup. Biochemist Dr. William H. Frey produced foundational scientific research on the science of crying. He collected tears from research

The stress-reducing benefits of crying don’t just feel good in the moment. There are several secondary benefits such as:

• Lower blood pressure, which keeps your heart healthy and helps you avoid stroke, heart failure, and dementia

• Lower manganese levels, which helps decrease anxiety, irritability, and aggression

• Decreased risk of ulcers and other digestive issues

• Decreased risk of tension headaches and migraines

Finally, crying serves an important social role. Tears elicit sympathy, signal that something is wrong, and facilitate connection during hard times. If you find yourself having chronic or uncontrollable bouts of tears, something else may be going on and you should seek professional help. But if you find yourself crying when stressed, angry, or sad, embrace your tears, knowing they’re helping make you healthier both mentally and physically.

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THE SECRET SAUCE COOK WITH THE SAME INGREDIENTS WITHOUT GETTING BORED

5-Minute Honey Mustard Sauce To avoid hearing “chicken again?!” add this honey mustard sauce from PinchOfYum.com to your repertoire. Simply whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a delicious topper for all meats.

One upside to spending more than a year at home was that many people donned their aprons, learned new recipes and techniques, and began cooking meals regularly in their own kitchens. Even as restaurants reopen, over 70% of Americans say they'll keep their new habit of cooking at home because it's healthier and cheaper. That said, the average American can only whip up about five meals without a recipe at hand, and many people cook and eat the same types of protein and vegetables over and over. One easy way to avoid boredom is to keep your main staples but diversify your sauce routine! When in doubt, learn one creamy sauce and one herb- or citrus-based sauce. Here are a few examples that work particularly well for chicken, America’s favorite animal protein. These can be used with your other favorite meats and your favorite vegetable preparations, as well!

Simple Lemon Herb Sauce Want a lighter, healthier option? Go for an oil-and-herb sauce like FoodNetwork.com’s “Chicken With a Lemon Herb Sauce.” In a blender

or food processor, add 1 peeled clove of garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup freshly chopped herbs of your choice (they recommend a mix of parsley and mint), 1 1/2 tsp ground pepper, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse all ingredients together until well mixed and the herbs and garlic are coarsely chopped. Quick Miso Maple Sauce This umami-filled sauce from Kitchn.com brings a lot of flavor with just three simple ingredients: 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 cup miso paste. That's it! Whisk the ingredients together and pour over oven-roasted, pan- seared, or grilled chicken and serve. These three sauces are a great place to start, but if you find yourself uninspired in the kitchen, just look up “simple sauces” online and the protein or vegetable you’re preparing. The internet will come to the rescue every time!

ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN Inspired by WellPlated.com

TAKE A BREAK!

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided • 1/2 cup apple cider • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tsp olive oil, divided • 3 sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider-mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!

718.747.2019 • THEPTDOCTOR.COM • 3

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718.747.2019

theptdoctor.com 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1. NEW TEAM, SAME QUALITY SERVICE! 2. THE SCIENCE OF CRYING 3. LET SAUCES BRING NEW LIFE TO TIRED MEALS ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN 4. DO COUPLES SLEEP BETTER APART? INSIDE THIS ISSUE

COUPLES SLEEPING APART A NEW TREND IN SLEEP ARRANGEMENTS

• Cognitive: You focus more easily, remember better, and learn quicker when you’re well rested.

From bank accounts to emotions, couples share a lot of things in their lives. But one thing couples have long shared is being called into question: a bedroom. You may have heard about this trend of sleeping apart from a friend or from celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham, who took it to an extreme by building “his and hers” wings in their home. You may not have an extra wing in your home, but if you have a spare bedroom, you might consider joining the estimated 25% of American couples who are sleeping separately in an effort to sleep better. Why sleep separately? While the stereotype holds that couples who don’t share a bed are in a fight or unhealthy relationship, more and more evidence shows that sleeping alone may simply be the best way to get a

• Mood: Insomniacs are five times more likely to develop depression. Though that’s an extreme, if you’ve ever had a poor night’s sleep, you’ve probably experienced the grumpiness or short temper that can go with it. • Heart health: Blood pressure decreases during rest, which helps keep your heart healthy. Chronically poor sleepers are more at risk of heart disease. Aren’t there negative consequences for couples? One of the most common concerns couples have about sleeping in separate rooms is that it will lead to less intimacy

in their partnership. However, sleeping apart often means sleeping more and better, and studies show that well-rested couples are more likely to share intimacy. Plus, sleeping arrangements are highly cultural and change over time. There’s nothing that says that sleeping together is a must for a happy relationship! As more couples are learning, sometimes it’s just the opposite.

good night’s rest. And as more research comes out about the importance of sleep for physical and mental health, some couples can’t figure out how to improve their sleep while sharing a bed with a snoring spouse or one who has a completely different schedule.

If you need a reminder about the myriad benefits of sleep, here are just a few:

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FREE BALANCE AND FALL-PREVENTION WORKSHOP ATTENTION ALL AT RISK OF FALLING!

Learn what you can do to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling before it’s too late.

718.747.2019 theptdoctor.com

SEE BACK FOR MORE DETAILS!

JOIN US! SEPTEMBER 22 • 2 P.M. The Physical Therapy Doctor 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360

• You’re afraid when you walk.

• You’re tired of doing less and really want to be able to walk better.

• You’re doing less because you feel unsteady on your feet.

• You’re tired of depending on others.

• You’ve missed out on family gatherings or activities you love because you’re afraid of falling.

• You want to walk without a cane or walker.

718.747.2019 theptdoctor.com